The Shoulder Season Shell is the perfect layering piece for those in-between seasons. When there’s a slight chill in the air, but it’s not quite cold enough for a jacket, grab your shell and get out there! Featuring a boxy, loose fit and unique garter stitch shoulder saddles, this piece offers the opportunity to try a new technique while still having plenty of time to sink into some meditative stockinette.

Sizing

1, 2 (3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8) (9, 10, 11) with a finished bust circumference of 36, 40 (44, 48, 52) (56, 60, 64) (68, 72, 76)” / 90, 100 (110, 120, 130) (140, 150, 160) (170, 180, 190) cm

Meant to be worn with approximately 8”/ 20 cm of positive ease at the fullest part of the bust

Size up for a looser fit or down for a shell with less ease

Tip from my testers: Testers with narrower shoulders said they would have preferred to size down, due to the loose, open nature of the way the shell sits on the shoulders. If you have narrow shoulders or a larger bust, you might want to size down or choose a size based on your upper bust measurement, rather than full bust.

Please note that this pattern has not been tested in sizes 8, 9, 10, or 11. If you would like to make this garment and provide feedback, please email mc@blametheknots.com and I will be happy to provide the pattern for free.

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette stitch knit flat, blocked on US 7 /4.5 mm needles

Materials

DK weight yarn or any yarn with which you can match gauge Sample used Blame the Knots No Duh DK in Just Call Me Joe (246yds / 100g)
US 7 /4.5 mm circular needles (or needle size required to meet gauge)
Stitch holders, spare cables, or scrap yarn for placing stitches on hold
Darning needle

Yardage

676, 774 (854, 930, 1000) (1080, 1156, 1216) (1300, 1373, 1427) yds / 618, 708 (781, 850, 914) (988, 1057, 1112) (1189, 1255, 1305) m

Each additional inch of body length will require 41, 45 (50, 55, 59) (64, 68, 73) (77, 82, 86) yds / 37, 41 (46, 50, 54) (59, 62, 67) (70, 75, 79) m

Construction

Pattern is constructed top-down, beginning with two shoulder saddles. Stitches are picked up along the edge of the shoulder saddles to create the back panel, followed by the front right panel. Stitches are then picked up to work the neckline before picking up stitches for the front left panel. Front and back panels are then joined and worked flat to finish the body. Arm edging is added at the end.

Sharing

I would love to see your completed garment! Make sure to tag @blametheknots on Instagram and use #shoulderseasonshell!

Pattern Support

If you find an error or have a question, please email support@blametheknots.com